Going independent

For advisors seeking a type of independence that defies industry norms of success, two female CFPs have launched a co-op promising to be a firm of one's own.

Many advisors cite “improving client service” as the catalyst for a move — but knowing what the real impact will be is critical.

Joining an existing RIA has its appeal, whether as a final destination or as a way station on the path to full independence.

SEC enforcement actions and regulatory requirements citing Form CRS suggests that firms need to step up their compliance operations.

In J.D. Power’s annual survey, independent and employee reps gave wealth managers a higher satisfaction index than last year.

The regulator’s annual industry snapshot and financial report offer a nuanced picture of wealth management’s most significant dividing line.

Here's what you missed in wealth management.

The 10-person practice, rebranded as Puzzle Wealth Solutions, is led by CEO John Klaas and COO David Millington.

The trio of advisors leaving Commonwealth for the regional firm are its largest “reverse breakaways” ever.

Concurrent is catering to breakaway teams assessing their options after back-office frustrations during the coronavirus, co-founder Mike Hlavek says.

The firm serves UHNW clients, and the advisors embarked on a search in order to enable clients to have more access to private investments.

The current arrangement is anti-fiduciary and could put a drag on the wealth management boom, writes Kevin Armstrong.

The team managed $1.5 billion in client assets with Merrill Lynch, and they chose an RIA with ties to the wirehouse working in its favor.

Despite a competitive fight among wealth managers for advisors, clients and industry AUM rankings, most practices are very small businesses — and some advisors want them to stay that way.

Advisors who leave wirehouses face key tax considerations to become successful RIAs.

Moves and news at Macquarie, Rockefeller, Vanguard, Orion, and elsewhere in the financial-advice industry this week.

From compliance to technology and succession, advisors may be under the wrong impressions about launching their own firms.

After 10 years at Merrill Lynch, a financial planner felt an entrepreneurial itch; "We should do this."

Move quickly, know your tech stack and use personal email in the planning stage, writes Mark Elzweig.